It’s understandable why the media failed to find positives in Liverpool’s 3-2 loss to Man United, but Arne Slot still has the support of some.
This was further proof of how far the Premier League champions have fallen this season, as they limped to yet another defeat on Sunday.
Here’s how the media assessed Liverpool on the day, as an awful season edges closer to its conclusion.
After three league wins in a row, the Reds crashed back to reality…
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Liverpool's 10 Alexis Mac Allister reacts after the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Manchester United won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
David Lynch made it very clear on X what he thought of Liverpool’s first-half performance:
“Liverpool showed fight to make that close in the end but the damage was already done in an utterly abysmal first half.
“The fact is, they’ve produced that half far, far too many times this season and that’s why they’re now onto 19 defeats.”
Aadam Patel of BBC Sport saw so many issues in the Reds’ game:
“Only against Arsenal in August 2025 (two) have Liverpool had fewer touches in the opposition box in the first half of a league game under Slot than the four they managed at Old Trafford. The sheer lack of fight initially was glaring to see.
[…]
“Liverpool should still secure Champions League football for next season over the coming weeks – but yet again, the barrage of problems they have were laid bare.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Manchester United's Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro celebrate after the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Manchester United won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking on Sky Sports, Roy Keane gave a damning verdict:
“Oh it’s been dreadful.
“Liverpool are like a five-a-side team but a bad five-a-side team. Not athletic, giving away the ball cheaply.”
Writing on X, former Liverpool striker John Aldridge was left deeply concerned during the game:
“I don’t know where to start! I’m absolutely shattered after seeing these performances over the last 12 months since we won the league vs. Spurs.
“This will be our 11th defeat of the season in the league and over 12 months more. Some of the things I’m seeing astound me.
“We’ve no identity whatsoever.”
Support for Arne Slot despite 19th loss of the season…
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot applauds the travelling supporters after the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Manchester United won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The *Mail*‘s Luke Power was a rare case of finding positives, despite the result:
“I’ve got mixed feelings about this one regarding Liverpool. The first 20 minutes was a shambles but after that they weren’t so bad.
“Defeat in the end was fair. Still, some encouraging signs from Ngumoha and Szoboszlai. The defensive work was more concerning – Van Dijk looked really error-prone in particular.
“Luckily they shouldn’t suffer any major consequences from this, but after battling back to 2-2 they’ll be disappointed.”
On Sky Sports, ex-Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge actually stuck up for Slot, saying he needs more time to turn things around:
"You've got to give the man time"
Daniel Sturridge on Arne Slot's future at Liverpool ? pic.twitter.com/Fkn2u1Q3OX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 3, 2026
Daniel Marsh of the Mirror was of a similar mindset:
“It’s been a challenging second season for Slot and some of the questions being asked of the Dutchman are not without merit.
“But considering here Liverpool were without Mo Salah, without both Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, Slot and his team were up against it from the start here.
“In the end, they didn’t quite have enough.”
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 3, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot after the FA Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford. Manchester United won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But writing for This Is Anfield, Lynch was more critical, even though he played devil’s advocate:
“Those who want the Dutchman sacked can point at the 19th defeat of the season and an abysmal first half that proved foundational to it as proof he should be dismissed.
“For those who are more sympathetic, then the second half perhaps offered evidence that this group of players is still fighting for the manager and will be capable of more with some tweaks.
“What is for sure is that Fenway Sports Group know exactly where they stand, and so one of these two competing camps is going to get definitive proof of their excellent judgement next season.
“But, after a 19th defeat of the season, it feels impossible to suggest with any confidence that those who favour retaining the manager will be right in the end.”